Original post 14 August 2017:

Relova Redressing Laundry, #HoddleStreet, Richmond, 1937, architect Walter Mason. The big drum held the water tank (at least that’s always been my understanding). I remember this from archi school lectures in the 80s held up as a notable example of #ArtDeco, so I was surprised to learn while working at the Trust in the 90s that it wasn’t protected and not widely known either. Fortunately a developer turned it into flats keeping much of the structure when everything else was being facaded and adding a bit so set back you hardly see it (started late 90s, not finished till c2008). And painted it grey, obviously very poorly done. Update : been repainted since then, still two shades of grey. 2nd photo 1980s Graeme Butler, 3rd image from a 1940 ad. They had huge washing machines and special collar pressers.

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